The Big M

Holiday Shopping

I'm not much of a shopper, yet since today is purportedly one of the biggest shopping days of the year, I thought I'd mention a press-release article that appeared recently in my local paper and immediately caught my attention. The headline: "A Holiday Gift for Women With Night Sweats and Hot Flashes … Who May Be Roasting Without a Fire."

The article went on to tout the benefits of a new sleepwear designed with patented IonX technology, used by professional athletes and even horses (to wrap their legs), that works to stimulate blood flow to muscles, which in turn blocks pain, speeds healing, and paves the way for deep, REM sleep. The fabric, made with calming negative ions, so I've read, and moisture-wicking properties, can help the over 40 set get a better night's sleep. I'm suspicious, but not unwilling to put the nighties on my Christmas list. There is some credence to the theory that negative ions – which are abundant in waterfalls and mountains — improve mood, boast serotonin levels, and can alleviate stress. And just thinking about mountains and waterfalls, I believe, could probably produce the same results. And thinking about mountains, waterfalls, and calming ions in a pajama, well perhaps even better.

I’m sure there will be more and more products aimed at my demographic, the huge tail end of the baby boomers who are not going quietly into the good night of midlife — and who are willing to try anything to get a good night's rest. And it may be that I will have more to add to my Christmas list.

Now if we could just figure out a way to roast those chestnuts without a fire …

About The Author

Christina Boufis

Christina Boufis is an award-winning health and medical writer. When not chasing down the latest medical study, she's busy keeping up with her husband and their 9-year-old son. The upside to midlife transition? Insomnia is a boon for meeting deadlines.

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